Trained service dog

If you’re bringing your service dog with you onboard your KLM flight, we’ll gladly arrange this for you. Note, though: we only allow trained service dogs.

Bringing your service dog

If you’re bringing a service dog with you in the cabin to assist you with a disability, the dog can travel with you free of charge. Please note that, in order to be allowed in the cabin, service dogs must have undergone qualified training and hold a valid certificate.

You need to fill out the application form and send it via the e-mail address mentioned at the bottom of the form. Make sure to include a copy of the pet’s passport stating the breed, weight, and size. Please send your request to KLM CARES least 48 hours before departure.

Preparing your trip

Make sure to arrange your service dog’s vaccinations, health and training certificates, and travel documents well in advance. To make sure that you don’t run into any issues, we recommend that you consult the local authorities of your departure, transfer and arrival countries. They can inform you about the latest requirements for service dogs regarding departure, transfer and entry into a country.

Behaviour in public spaces

Please note that if your dog does not behave appropriately in public places, we do not consider them a trained service dog. When in doubt, 1 of our agents could request additional information to ensure that your dog is trained. If you cannot give a plausible verbal explanation, we may request further written proof.

During your flight

For safety reasons, your service dog may not block an aisle or other area that needs to remain unblocked. Because of this, you cannot book an exit row seat when travelling with a service dog. You can choose any other seat you’d like. During the entire flight, your dog should wear a (car) harness. Please tie this harness to your seatbelt.

If your dog doesn’t fit in the location of the reserved seat, you’ll get another seat within the same travel class. We’re not required to offer more space for your service dog or provide a seat in a travel class other than the one you’ve paid for. Is there no seat that can accommodate you and your service dog without blocking areas? We might request you to take a later flight or let your service dog travel in the hold, if you have a kennel that meets the requirements.

Flights longer than 8 hours

Do you have a flight that’s scheduled to take 8 hours or more? We may ask for documentation that your service dog will not need to relieve itself or can do so in a way that will not create a health or sanitation issue onboard.

Flying to or from the United States?

Besides the application form, you’ll also need to fill out the so-called U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation Form. Please print both forms and bring them with you to the airport.

Other animals

Unfortunately, we do not allow service animals other than dogs.